First Known Use: circa 1671
Dictionary
1ripple
verb rip·ple \ˈri-pəl\
: to move in small waves
: to pass or spread through or over (someone or something)
rip·pledrip·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of RIPPLE
intransitive verb
1
a : to become lightly ruffled or covered with small waves b : to flow in small waves c : to fall in soft undulating folds <the scarf rippled to the floor>
2
: to flow with a light rise and fall of sound or inflection <laughter rippled over the audience>
3
: to move with an undulating motion or so as to cause ripples <the canoe rippled through the water>
4
: to have or produce a ripple effect : spread <the news rippled outwards>
transitive verb
1
: to stir up small waves on
2
: to impart a wavy motion or appearance to <rippling his arm muscles>
3
: to utter or play with a slight rise and fall of sound
— rip·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun
See ripple defined for English-language learners
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Origin of RIPPLE
perhaps frequentative of 1rip
Related to RIPPLE
2ripple
noun
: a small wave on the surface of a liquid
: a shape or pattern having small waves
: a sound that gradually becomes louder and then quieter
Full Definition of RIPPLE
1
a : a shallow stretch of rough water in a stream b (1) : the ruffling of the surface of water (2) : a small wave
2
a : ripple mark b : a sound like that of rippling water <a ripple of laughter> c : a usually slight noticeable effect or reaction
— rip·ply \ˈri-p(ə-)lē\ adjective
See ripple defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RIPPLE
1755
RIPPLE Defined for Kids
1ripple
verb rip·ple \ˈri-pəl\
rip·pledrip·pling
Definition of RIPPLE for Kids
1
: to move or cause to move in small waves <The lion's muscles rippled.> <A breeze rippled the water.>
2
: to pass or spread over or through <Laughter rippled through the crowd.>
2ripple
noun
Definition of RIPPLE for Kids
1
: a very small wave on the surface of a liquid <The rock made ripples in the pond.>
2
: something that passes or spreads through <a ripple of laughter>
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